A solemn and friendly jubilee for the Agen Academy

“The official historians of our city”

It was up to the mayor of Agen to open this extraordinary session. Jean Dionis du Séjour did not hold back from uttering strong and laudatory words about the venerable institution: “You are the children of the Enlightenment. The Academy largely participated, in the 18th century, in the propagation of new ideas and let us not forget that, a century after its creation, it was at the origin of the founding of our Museum of Fine Arts. You are part of our intangible heritage and you must be considered the official historians of our city. »

After having formulated some advice and wishes – “keep your discipline and your rigor in your work”, “take an interest in the contemporary period” – the mayor of Agen, relying on a Latin quotation, “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” » (But who keeps the guards?), concluded with a resounding: “You are the constitutional council of the city of Agen. »

After an intervention by Christian Dezalos, on behalf of the Departmental Council, and the reading (very well interpreted by the actor Bruno Macheboeuf) of Pierre Paganel’s introductory speech during the first session on January 1, 1776, it was up to Bénédicte Bousquet to relate some significant events which punctuated the journey of the Agen scholar circle.

“Associates and friends” for motto

The president began by returning to the speech of Abbot Pierre Paganel (1745-1826), who defined the purpose of the Literary Society at the time: “To educate us, to extend the knowledge we have, to acquire that which we lack…”. She then became interested in the Academy’s emblem and its motto, “Nexu sociantur amico” (they are associated and linked by a friendly knot). The one who presides over its destiny had to affirm: “These elements must still serve as benchmarks for us today”.
There followed a first and delightful musical interlude, “Invocation to Friendship” by Claude Lamouroux (1740-1820), one of the eight founders of the Academy (indienne maker and musician), performed by Eleanor Milhau (piano) and Louise Bourgeois (flute).

Two communications and a tribute to Jasmin

Doctor François Guilhot, representative of the National Academy of Medicine, discussed health issues linked to diet. We will remember from this intervention that it is urgent to limit our consumption of ultra-processed industrial products. A communication faithful to the spirit of those who, every second Wednesday of the month, lead the Academy sessions and who are interested in all subjects.
Arnaud Dhermy, vice-president of the Committee for Historical and Scientific Work, demonstrated the vitality of the more than 4,000 French learned societies (with a historical vocation for the vast majority) and the role they play in the preservation of heritage.
The audience then had the pleasure of listening to Christian Moulié perform “Me cal mouri” by the Occitan poet Jasmin with vigor and passion, accompanied on the piano by Jean-Michel Martinez.

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